I can't believe how long it has been since I was on these forums. I took a long break due to taking care of my fiancé's elderly father for three years. He passed away October 30, 2017 and I mourned his death for a very long time because he was like the father I have never had. I have been struggling with bipolar depression for a few years and my doctor and I just couldn't seem to get the right combination of meds but now I am finally feeling "normal" again. My fiancé I made a big mistake of letting two people we thought we could trust stay with us last year and they turned out to be bad for us, almost tore us apart. I began drinking and using drugs to cope with everyday life and I had to be hospitalized for two weeks and then I spent some time in rehab also last year. I am back into the wonderful hobby of keeping ball pythons, a passion that never died for me. I love it! It helps me focus on the good things in life.
My two oldest daughters struggle with heroin addiction and right now they are not speaking to me, and it does hurt a lot sometimes but I will always remind them I love them and I am always here for them, no matter what. Things are starting to get better for my fiancé and myself slowly. It has been a long hard road for both of us but we will be together for 16 years on January 28 of this year and I could not ask for a better support or best friend in my life. He could have asked me to just leave when I was using and drinking but he believed in me and was proud of me when I went and got help for myself. I love him more then anything. It's good to be back. I have been lurking and looking at all of the beautiful snakes. I sure am glad I am back in the hobby.